Amid the political turmoil back home, Iran who made their debut in 1978 will make their 6th World Cup appearance in Qatar where they will once again aim to go beyond the group stage for the first time.
They almost cracked the code last time in Russia. A 1-0 win over Morocco in their group opener was followed by a loss to Spain. Iran wrapped up their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Portugal. The four points onboard, though, weren't enough to win them a spot in the knockout stage.
Parked at the No.20 spot in the FIFA world rankings, Asia's top side will be banking on familiarity.
Iran Team News
The venerable Carlos Queiroz has returned to take up the coaching reins in September. The Portuguese's first spell lasted for eight years, which included masterminding the 2014 and 2018 World Cup campaigns.
The 69-year-old has hardly made any changes to the squad he inherited. The attacking triumvirate of Mehdi Taremi, Sardar Azmoun and Alireza Jabanbakhsh, who played together in the 2018 edition, is still Iran's most potent weapon.
Taremi starred in FC Porto's capture of the Portuguese league title last season, netting 20 goals to finish second in the scoring charts. Azmoun spearheads the attack, and the Bayer Leverkusen man's craftiness could be too much to handle for Iran's Group B opponents, England, USA and Wales.
With 40 goals, the most recent scored in the Senegal draw, Azmoun is also his country's third all-time leading scorer. Jabanbakhsh, who plays his club football for Dutch side Feyenoord, is the glue that holds the Iranian offense. Able to play from deep midfield or on the flanks, the 29-year-old is also skipper of the team.
Iran World Cup record
Iran has played 15 games and has won 2 and lost 9.
Iran in FIFA World Cup
Iran have played in 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014 and 2018
Iran squad
...
Iran Group in FIFA World Cup 2022
Iran is in group B alongside the United States, Wales and England. The Iranian side will be eyeing a solid win against the English men when they play their first group game on 21st November.
Iran Fifa World Cup 2022 full schedule
Group B games-
Iran vs England - 21 Nov; 6.30 PM IST – Khalifa International Stadium
Iran vs Wales - 25 Nov; 3:30 PM IST – Al Rayyan Stadium
Iran vs USA – 30 Nov; 12.30 AM IST- Al Bayt Stadium
Iran Fifa World Cup 2022 live telecast in India
FIFA World Cup will be live telecast on Sports18 and Sports18 HD in India
Iran Fifa World Cup 2022 live streaming in India
Fifa WC 2022 will be live streamed on VOOT Select and JioTV